There are two sets of docs - the first are sent by Kerry campaign to CBS anonymously by mail. Then, later, Burkett faxes the second copy.
"The puzzle pieces aren't quite fitting together yet."
No, they aren't. For instance, how did the DNC get out a commercial using the interview with Barnes so soon after the program aired?
That's because the Kinko's transmission was a cover for the prior "cahin of custody" that went through the DNC/Max.
From me, one more time: On tonight's broadcast, Rather said "we went to Burkett, he did not come to us". That clearly means it was Mary Mapes who approached Burkett and asked him, "pressured him" for the documents she had obviously heard about. CBS is not disclosing who put Mapes onto Burkett's trail, but my guess is she got her tip from Max Cleland.
And contrary to what Dan Rather said on tonight's broadcast, there are no original documents for him to find.
Yo! this afternoon as Rush ended, I listened to ABC Radio news, 3 pm EST. The female newsreader said, (almost a quote): Today AP asked Max Cleland about the forged documents, and Cleland said he could not take questions without first going through the Kerry campaign hqs. I don't think that implies guilt on the part of the Kerry campaign, but it surely does show what a short leash they keep Max on. They must have issued the order after he stupidly talked to a reporter over the week-end, disclosing that he had spoken to Burkett by cell telephone back in August.
I think it's hard to know at this point whether Burkett is protecting his source for the documents, or he created the documents, doesn't want to risk being prosecuted for forging government documents, so he lies and said someone gave the documents to him. Hard too, to know if CBS is playing like they actually believe Burkett has an original source because they want toprotect Max Cleland, or they don't want to have to admit they were so eager to hurt Bush that they trusted documents they got from a a red flag like Burkett.
And for the record..Dorothy Rabinowitz is making fools outta Tom Shales, Chris Matthews, and David Gergen! She's got more brains in her little toe than they have in their 3 big heads.
There is still a time-line problem with the docs.
Reports a few days ago said CBS/DNC had the docs 6 weeks before they aired on 60 Minutes. That would have put the docs in CBS/DNC hands in early August.
However, the Kinkos faxes were supposedly sent in early September.
There are still many unanswered questions. The puzzle pieces aren't quite fitting together yet.
225 posted on 09/20/2004 6:49:57 PM EDT by TomGuy
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You have it... Don't let this point go.
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